The United Methodist Church in Spearfish, South Dakota, launched the Dynamite Prayer movement. They are joining congregations throughout the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The United Methodist Church.

Dynamite Prayer, by Revs. Sue Nilson Kibbey and Rosario Picardo is a 28-day experience. It is a daily prayer guide that will guide you to begin a practice of "breakthrough prayer," a way of praying where we ask God to open new doors and reveal new possibilities fueled by the Holy Spirit's power. It is an adventure to take you from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and uninspired to curious and expectant as you surrender your own experiences and ideas and courageously follow the miracles God brings into your life.

Rev. John Madvig invited each congregation member to join the daily devotion to create a spirit of discernment, reflection, and innovation.

"I invite each of you to engage in this daily devotional. The invitation to pray is there for us. We hear from everywhere but God. We hear a lot of noise. We need to hear God's voice," said Pastor John during worship.

Spearfish United Methodist Church in South Dakota. Photo by Bruce Bluerm.

The timing is perfect as the congregation opens their hearts and minds to new pastoral leadership in the upcoming year. Pastor John is a transitional pastor for the Dakotas Conference at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Previously, he served as the interim pastor at the United Methodist Church in Madison, South Dakota. At Spearfish UMC, Madvig follows Rev. Scott McKirdy, a beloved pastor and great leader.

Colleen McKirdy, lay leader for the Spearfish UMC, calls the Dynamite Prayer Initiative a God thing.

Janelle Jones, chairperson of Children First Board of Directors, a ministry of Spearfish UMC, and a member of the congregation's Staff Parish Relations Committee, shares that prayer and discernment are needed.

On day twenty-eight of Dynamite Prayer, February 10, a discernment gathering for Spearfish UMC and Children First will be held to discern what the future holds for the partners. 

"We will not make any decisions that day, but we are discerning God's will in all of this and lifting it in prayer," said Janelle. "We want to lift the discernment in prayer by asking how Spearfish UMC is connected and partners with Children First."

Two existing small groups will engage in the prayer movement for the next 28 days. The videos and books will enrich their initiative. Access all the resources for week one. 

Children First and Spearfish UMC are all part of the same campus. Photo from Facebook.

The Director of Children First, Melissa Raad, looks forward to the discernment and prayer. Before the discernment day, "Discerning God's Will for the Future," Melissa is available to pray and meet with any group in the church so they can learn how the ministry works.

Chris Davis, a member at Spearfish UMC, will facilitate the day. Some people feel that the ministry should be an independent 501c3. Others think there is a need to enhance the connection as a partner and collaborative ministry of the congregation.

Dynamite Prayer will support the appointment of a new pastor. The district superintendent, Rev. Dan Bader, recently visited with the congregation's leadership about a new pastoral appointment to Spearfish UMC. 

"May your prayer be that the right new pastor come to your congregation," said Rev. Bader to those present at the meeting. 

Spearfish UMC is launching Dynamite Prayer to inspire God's presence in their future. 

"As we look at the future, a new pastor, balancing the budget, our partnership with Children's First is part of what we are discerning in our future. We pray for God's presence and the Holy Spirit to guide us," said Janelle. 

Learn more and access reources for Dynamite Prayer.
Share your Dynamite Prayer journey with us by sending an e-mail or texting 605-770-8540.